Foundation For Buddhist And Indic Studies University Laid At Sanchi

BHOPAL, INDIA, September 21, 2012 (InfoLanka): Under the historic initiative to promote world peace and harmony of Madhya Pradesh government, the foundation stone of a Buddhist and Indic Studies University was laid at Sanchi today. The foundation laying ceremony of the first-ever university for studies in Buddhism and Indian knowledge was held in the presence of Sri Lankan President Shri Mahinda Rajapaksa, Bhutanese Prime Minister Shri Jigme Y. Thinley, Governor Shri Ram Naresh Yadav, Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Shri Prakash Ambedkar, Swami Paramatmanand Saraswati and Shri Ven Vangal Upatista Nayak Thero.

During the program, Sri Lankan President Shri Rajapaksa and Bhutanese Prime Minister Shri Thinley planted saplings of Buddha trees brought by them at the foundation venue. The guest laid the foundation with special bricks brought from Sri Lanka. The bricks contain five metals, vegetables, medicines and other auspicious things. The foundation was laid as per Sanatan Dharma and Buddhist rites.

The Madhya Pradesh government has allotted 100 acres of land for the university being established at World Heritage site Sanchi, which is famous for its Buddha Stupa. About US$57 million will be spent on its establishment in two phases. The university will impart teaching in principles of Dharma, Buddhism education, contemporary philosophy and traditions. It will also promote mutual ideological ties between Buddhist culture and India ideologies.

The university will also work towards improvement in Indian education system and impart teaching and training in Asian arts, sculpture and skills. A library of Buddhist and Indian knowledge and culture will also be established at university, which will make available material in both physical and digital methods. The universities will have five faculties including Buddhist Philosophy, Sanatan Dharma & Indian Knowledge, International Buddhist Studies, Comparative Religions, Languages & Literatures and Arts.

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